Popular Aquarium Fish Categories: Choosing The Right Species

To set up a new aquarium (once you’ve decided which one suits you), first choose the fish types you want to keep. Scientists have identified more than 25,000 fish species, and aquarists can access over 3,000 of these. Here, we talk about different types of aquarium fish based on their size, looks, food needs, care requirements, and how friendly they are. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced aquarist, these popular aquarium fish categories are perfect for entertainment and decoration.

Freshwater Fish

The main choice any aquarist has to make when setting up a freshwater habitat is selecting which freshwater fish to add. Not every fish found in freshwater is suitable for home aquariums, and clearly, not all are suitable for beginners. So how do you decide? Following are some of the best freshwater fish for aquariums.

1. Neon Tetra

Neon Tetra grows up to a length of three centimeters, or approximately 1.5 inches in total. This fish features bright colors and an orange stripe over its shiny silver body. Their miniature size makes them easy to spot even in blackwater streams. Neon Tetra are simple feeders and remain fit whether fed on basic fish flakes.

2. Guppy

Guppies can last more than a week without food. They are not fussy, diet-wise, and can tolerate several fish feeds, like blood worms, brine shrimp (frozen or fresh), Daphnia, or even regular fish flakes. They come in various beautiful color combinations so choose one that suits your style.

3. Corydoras Catfish

Though very friendly, Corydoras are quite hardy, mild, and non-aggressive species. Cory catfish basically dwell on the bottom and should be fed sinking pellets. Stick to flake food otherwise, they will weaken and miss each meal to be more active fish. 

4. Bettas

Bettas are a great beginner fish with a few caveats but they are aggressive. Its male species live alone while females settle in groups of five to six fish called sororities. Male bettas are usually more colorful, with flowing and fancy fins. Females are less flashy but still have some subtle coloration and make a wonderful addition to any tank!

5. Cichlids

One of the few cichlids suitable for smaller aquariums, the German blue ram is a really striking fish. The body is silver-gold with black markings and vivid blue accents. Although these cichlids remain small, they can be territorial with other members of their kind. It’s better to keep them alone or in pairs in a community tank.

Saltwater Fish

Imagine an underwater landscape filled with colors, a miniature ocean thriving in your living room. Saltwater aquariums open the door to the amazing world of marine life, bringing all the beauty of coral reefs into homes. The charm of saltwater fish lies in their variety and the colors they can bring to the tank. Have a look at the top saltwater fish for beginner reefers.

1. Clownfish

The best Clownfish are captive-bred, and they also crossbreed, creating some epic and unique patterns. As with many fish in the wild, they are well suited for keeping in pairs. We therefore advise buying two to start, and growing the Clownfish family over time if the size of the tank accommodates it. If water conditions are suitable, they are well-known for hosting anemones or corals.

2. Flasher Wrasse

Flasher Wrasse gets their name due to the rapid ‘flashy’ behavior of males. These fish can be easily paired in a big aquatic display and are a great display as they twirl a courtship dance. Introduce the female Wrasse first to partner them up.

3. Blue Tang

Although a very popular saltwater aquatic species, the Royal Blue Tang isn’t actually a tang at all. Royal Blues are fantastic aquatic species and they do not eat anemones or corals but mostly feed on algae and krill. They are often known as palette fish because of the blue and black pattern on their body with bright yellow-streaked tails.

4. Yellow Tang

The Yellow Tang stands out due to its bright yellow color. This fish loses its vivid hues at night, often turning light brown with a clear white line horizontally. Yellow Tang interacts well with reef dwellers and invertebrates. Don’t keep it with others of its kind even in pairs, unless the enclosure holds at least 150 gallons.

5. Angelfish

Angelfish have a clear triangle shape and sharp fins that match their body form. Compared to most other fish, they need more advanced care. Angelfish can reach six inches in length and need big tanks to thrive. They can live up to 15 years and eat all kinds of food, including frozen live prey fish food, and artificial supplements.

Tropical Fish

Tropical fish breathe new life into aquariums but need good filters, regular water checks, heaters, and friendly tank buddies to make a healthy tank. Let’s look at the popular tropical aquarium fish names.

1. Dwarf Gouramis

Dwarf gouramis grow to 3 inches and are great for new tank owners. Their bright red stripes on a shiny blue body make them eye-catching in a group habitat. But male dwarf gouramis can be tough, so it’s best to keep one with other calm fish. Feeding them different foods, like frozen bloodworms, will enhance their colors.

2. Discus

The discus fish is stunning but needs special care that new fish keepers often can’t provide. They require a top-notch tank of at least 25 gallons and can reach up to 20 centimeters when given proper housing and food. The right diet includes beef heart and blood worms, but some flakes can be added for extra nutrients.

3. Zebra Danios

Zebra Danios are active, hardy fish featuring black and white stripes. They are always best kept in groups and therefore perfect for community tanks and are quite suitable for beginners. They love a well-planted habitat and tolerate different water conditions, making them great additions to any tropical setup.

Fish For Small Aquarium

Selecting the right fish for small tanks is one of the important factors in maintaining a healthy aquatic environment. These compact species are beautiful and well-suited for low-key aquarium setups. Nanofish comes in many species and can be kept in small tanks. These fish need aquariums from 5 to 20 gallons, thus giving a wonderful aquatic life without any large setup. Here are the popular aquarium Nanofish categories:

1. Chili rasboras

The peaceful fish, chili rasboras are characterized by a bright red color and their small size. They are very comfortable in groups and thus make great community tanks. Rasboras add a splash of color to even the most petite aquatic display.

2. Celestial Pearl Danios

The unique iridescent scales and playful behavior were seen in these small fish. The celestial pearl danios are active swimmers that thrive in groups. They create a compact environment with a splash of vibrant colors.

3. Pygmy Corydoras

Pygmy corydoras are excellent bottom-dwellers. They help clean a small tank by siphoning organic matter from the substrate. Due to their social nature, they are visually appealing and thrive best in groups.

Buy Fish at Eastern Marine Aquarium

Eastern Marine Aquarium has all the fish supplies you need to set up a lovely aquarium, including different aquarium fish categories. Buy fish online today!

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Like any other pet, fish need care, consistent love, and cleaning. Regular cleaning of fish tank is an important part of keeping your fish happy and healthy. This includes minor changes like slight water replacement and water testing, which you can do at home. Figuring out the easy way to clean a fish tank? Follow our step-by-step guide on how to clean a new fish tank and get to know more about the importance of keeping your aquarium clean.

What To Use To Clean Aquarium?

All set to purify your dirty tank? Gather cleaning supplies, like:

•       Algae scrubber— a champion against green pests.

•       Syphon tube and gravel vacuum— the powerful pair for dirt removal.

•       A perfect bucket dedicated just to collect fishery water

•       Water conditioner—the key element for happy fish.

•       25% water change with fresh water.

•       Plain white vinegar—the natural marvel for eliminating residue.

•       New filter media—a stroke of fresh air for fish tank.

•       Old towels and paper towels.

•       An old toothbrush—for deep purification (optional)

•       Water test kit for the quality control expert (optional).

•       And your favorite comfy sweeping clothes, since things may get dirty!

Now let the cleaning fun begin!

How To Clean A Fish Tank?

Sounds easy enough? Do it properly and with the least stress! Here are all the key steps in cleaning a fish aquarium:

Step 1: Don’t stress out tank fish!

When washing the fish tank, you may assume it’s a good idea to remove the fish, but it’s best to leave them alone! Handling or moving your fish can be quite stressful for them, so you might leave them in their fish habitat while you remove dirt. Plus, you won’t replace all the water, so they’ll be safe. Clean around their area and leave them be; they’ll love the subtle atmosphere!

Step 2: Scrub Your Hands Thoroughly!

Before getting into tank cleaning, thoroughly wash your hands and forearms up to the elbow area. Remove any lotion, aroma, or soap residue, which might damage fish. You want to keep these watery fish safe, so keep your hands sanitized and free of harmful chemicals.

Step 3: Clean The Inside Of The Glass

Regular maintenance is a must for glass inside of the aquarium. Light and water combine to create algae, which quickly turns clear glass green. An algae pad is your greatest friend here—scrub away the green with some scraping, and almost all of that algae will be removed.

Be cautious, however! Gravel, sand, or dust between the pad and the glass might result in scars that are not covered by warranties. Skilled algae wipers inspect the pad for dirt and rinse it if necessary. Can’t make it to the bottom? Choose an algae pad with a grip for taller tanks. Ready to keep the tank glass bright?

Step 4: Take Out Decorations And Large Rocks

Those pretty decorations in an aquarium, such as coral, plastic plants, and rocks, require a good cleaning every few weeks. A little bloom of algae might look lovely, but it shouldn’t take over! To refresh the fish tank decorations, remove them and soak them in a tub of warm water. Scrub them well with an algae scraper.

If they are still unclean, avoid using soap since it might hurt your fish. Instead, place them in a mix of 10% bleach and 90% water for 10-15 minutes. That should do the magic cleaning! Don’t put them back just yet; you have more steps to take!

Step 5: Pull Out The Gravel Siphon

Using a gravel vacuum makes it easy to clear the rock, gravel, or sand in the tank. It eliminates any loose particles from the bottom. Bust out 25-50% of gravel regularly, particularly during extensive scrubbing. Do you frequently vacuum your gravel? It’s best to do this while decorations are out since debris tends to accumulate behind them. Keep the aquatic tank fresh and your fish happy!

Step 6: Clean Aquarium Filter

In this step, rinse the filter medium in a bucket of old fishery water. If you use different water, you risk removing the beneficial microorganisms that the tank needs. It’s an important step of how to clean a fish tank filter. Keep those beneficial bacteria alive to provide a healthy habitat for fish! While you’re at it, be sure to clean your aquarium pump as part of ongoing disinfection plan.

Step 7: Add Fresh Water To The Tank

Replace the water that has been removed, but do not simply throw any old water into the tank; this can be deadly. Don’t forget to check the quality and temperature first. The freshwater should have the precise same temperature as the tank water. Most packed spring water or well water is good for fish, but always test it before putting it in the tank. Knowing how to clean a dirty fish tank properly means making sure that the newly added water is safe for fish.

Step 8: Reinstall The Aquarium Decorations

Almost finished cleaning a sand aquarium! If you removed any fish or ornamental elements, now is your chance to reattach them. Gently put fish in their happy tank area, together with dust-free decorations. Try to ensure everything is safe and sturdy so that fish can swim freely. You’re done; the inside fish tank feels gleaming!

Step 9: Cleaning The Outside Glass

Once the whole thing is back in fish tank, you may need to clear away any spills or water stains. Use a glass cleaner designed exclusively for fisheries to avoid mistakenly introducing hazardous chemicals. Spray it into a cloth and wipe down the outer glass to remove water stains, mineral dirt, and fingerprints for good vision.

Own a fish tank made of acrylic? Use a cleaner specifically designed for acrylic, as ordinary glass cleaners can make it look foggy. Don’t forget to wipe up any splashed water around tank or on the floor. Your fish and marine life are going to love their newly spotless home! Cleaning an old aquarium has never been easier, right?

How Frequently Should You Clean Aquarium?

The frequency with which you replace the water in aquatic habitat is decided by two key elements. This depends on the kind of water change you are doing in aquarium and how many fish you have in it. You can replace the water tank every two to three weeks, or more often if you have a crowded fish tank. A full aquarium water change should be done selectively and only when 100% necessary. Full fish tank water changes can affect the tank’s pH levels and other factors while also being distressing for fish.

However, if you notice that fish tank walls are becoming clogged with algae, a magnetic tank cleaner can be attached to the glass walls to remove the algae off the tank’s sides. This can be done as often as you want because it causes no harm to fish. Have you recently checked your fish tank? Is it time to replace water?

Why Is Regular Fish Tank Cleaning Important?

Clean your fish tank on a regular basis to ensure fish’s health. Over time, tank may build hazardous bacteria and nitrates, which can harm your fish. Keeping the marine aquarium dust-free promotes a healthy atmosphere and provides its aesthetic look. Got a small or large fish tank? Both demand equal amounts of attention. If you have a smaller tank, you may need more frequent cleaning to keep the water safe for marine fish. Maintaining the proper mineral balance in tank water is critical for the health of your fish. Regular scrubbing and proper water changes are essential to maintaining this balance and providing a healthy aquatic environment for fish.

ABOUT US

Founded in Gisborne April 2017, EasternMarine Aquariums has grown to become the largest marine livestock importer in New Zealand.

CONTACT US

VISIT OUR STORE
Unit 21, 114 Wiri Station Road Auckland 2104 New Zealand

Phone: 0800 102 444
Store Email: info@stg-emanz-431.uw2.rapydapps.cloud

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